RECOGNIZING the need to inform and keep the elderly well attached as one organization, SM City Clark hosted this week's "Seniors Day at the Mall" with the event centering on an open discussion of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
SM Clark Public Relations Officer Venus Manalang said the attendees came from the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP). Leading the open discussion were host Joanna Cordero, FSCAP president Erasmo Santos and Joy Duaso and Cristy Mapano of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The orientation further aims to strengthen monitoring systems of local government units in the compliance of Republic Act (RA) 9994. RA 9994 amended RA 9257 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, which also amended RA 7432, the original Senior Citizens Act of 1993. It is a social welfare legislation intended to benefit Filipino elderly and provide them additional privileges.
Under RA 9994, senior citizens are entitled to discount privileges, free services, exemptions, incentives, government financial assistance, and priority in express lanes.
Duaso, for her part, said the need for the orientation on this new law is very vital in order for National Government Agencies, Provincial and City Social Welfare and Development Officers, business establishments and the tri-media to be aware of the provisions of this law and thereby help in effecting the law.
Assistant Mall Manager Ana Datu said that SM City Clark will be complying with the new law and would ensure that seniors would get the best services from the said mall.
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